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NH Signs of Democratic Life

Why I became New Hampshire's newest Democrat
By Corey Corbin

My thanks to Politicsnh.com for providing me with this opportunity to
address my recent decision to become "New Hampshire's newest Democrat." I
hope my constituents will, after reading this, be as comfortable with the
decision as I have become.

Our state is, arguably, facing some of the worst crises in our history. We
are faced with an ever-widening budget shortfall. The state of education,
at every level, is deplorable. Our seniors are finding it more and more
difficult to afford health care and prescription drugs. Hospitals are
clamoring for qualified nurses, schools are in dire need of teachers, and
New Hampshire's working families need real economic reform and growth in
order to maintain a good quality of life.

Yet as these issues loom large over the state house, the GOP majority
continues to refuse to take the action necessary to ease some of the pain.

We know that an additional source of revenue is required in order to, not
expand, but to maintain our current levels of spending. And, despite the
rhetoric coming from the Governor's office, New Hampshire is one of the
leanest states in the nation. We have a tradition of controlled spending,
watching every penny, and using what resources we do have for only the most
necessary programs.

As our population grows, however; as our population ages, and needs to be
educated, indeed as New Hampshire truly becomes part of 21st century -
global community, we must recognize the need for growth planning and take
the appropriate steps. And this, my friends, is where the GOP falls
dangerously short.

Example: despite repeated polls and non-binding votes by the citizens of
this state in favor of slot gaming at race tracks as an additional revenue
source, the conservative-republican dominated legislature will not act on
the people's wishes. Even opponents of slot gaming admit the state would
receive a revenue windfall upwards of $200 million per year.

Example: The GOP proclaims itself the party of fewer taxes, of lower burdens
on the people. Yet just last year, it was GOP-crafted legislation that led
to the largest business and telecommunication tax increases in state
history. In addition, the republican majority voted three times in one day,
just this year, to increase the property tax burden on home owners by
enacting the "C" budget in the House.

Example: The republican party advocates a good and "adequate" education for
all children. Yet GOP actions in the House have repeatedly thwarted the
efforts of public school systems to better educate our kids. How? By
supporting legislation that ends the state's responsibility to pay for
education; by pushing for funding for charter schools when the money doesn't
exist; by refusing funding for programs like early literacy and programs for
children with disabilities.

These are not the actions of a party that truly wishes to better the lives
of the people it pretends to represent.

And so, after much deliberation and soul-searching, I decided that my
efforts were better spent advancing the cause of the common-man. I decided
that I would join a party that champions the family, the little guy - the
work-a-day people who make this state the great place to live, work and
raise our kids we know it to be. I became a Democrat.

We are living in tough times, times that require leadership and not party
loyalty. Times that require innovation rather than blind obedience to a
particular political party. I am reminded of the words of Sir Winston
Churchill to the people of Great Britain:

"It is not the time for ease and comfort, it is time to dare and endure."

Rep. Corey E. Corbin
NH House of Representatives

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